Blue Jays Tie Franchise Record for Most Pitchers Used in First 10 Games

The struggling Toronto team matched a mark set in the pandemic-impacted 2020 season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:22am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Blue Jays baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, white, and red, conveying the team's lack of pitching stability.A cubist interpretation of the Blue Jays' pitching struggles, as the team cycles through a record number of relievers in the early season.Los Angeles Today

The Toronto Blue Jays have tied a franchise record by using 18 different pitchers through the first 10 games of the 2026 MLB season. This matches the previous high set in the COVID-impacted 2020 campaign, when the team was forced to cycle through an unusually high number of pitchers due to injuries and other factors.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays' reliance on so many different pitchers this early in the season is an indicator of the team's struggles, as they try to find a consistent and effective rotation. This could put a strain on the bullpen and make it difficult for the team to find momentum and rhythm as the season progresses.

The details

On Monday night, the Blue Jays used 18 pitchers in a 14-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, tying the franchise record for most pitchers used through the first 10 games of a season. This comes even with several of the team's top pitchers, including Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios, currently on the Injured List.

  • The Blue Jays set this record in the 2020 MLB season.
  • The Blue Jays tied the record on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Shane Bieber

A starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently on the Injured List.

Trey Yesavage

A starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently on the Injured List.

Jose Berrios

A starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently on the Injured List.

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What they’re saying

“Blue Jays tie a franchise record for the most pitchers used through the first 10 games of a season (18), matching the mark set in 2020.”

— Sportsnet Stats, Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Blue Jays will need to find a way to stabilize their pitching staff and get some of their injured starters back in order to avoid further strain on the bullpen as the season continues.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' reliance on a large number of pitchers this early in the season is a concerning sign, as it indicates the team is struggling to find consistency and stability in their rotation. This could have long-term implications for the team's performance and playoff hopes if they are unable to address these issues.